Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The situation in Ukraine has the potential for devastating conflict, conflict that must be avoided. Despite the global armaments industry, worth trillions of euro, it is incumbent on all countries to settle international disputes by peaceful means. In this case, the Minsk agreement must survive as the basis for a permanent and peaceful solution. Quite simply, Russia must not invade Ukraine.

I welcome the Ukrainian ambassador. I am happy to tell the Ukrainians who have made Ireland their home that my party stands in full solidarity with them regarding the territorial integrity of their homeland according the principles of the UN resolution adopted in March 2014. We respect their democracy and the will of Ukrainian citizens. As has been said, we know what it is like to live next door to a bullying neighbour and to have to feel its boot on your neck.

Like many, I am concerned about the potential for information or, rather, disinformation to become a weapon of mass destruction in its own right.

Indeed, the Ukrainians have also asked that this warmongering talk be toned down. I remember the "sexing up", as it was referred to at the time, that led to the ratcheting up of tensions and the declaration of an illegal war that unleashed pure hell on Iraq, bringing devastation to its people and the region. Millions of them are still displaced in another generation. Today, they are among the people who are piling into boats to make the treacherous crossing to fortress Europe, where the EU shows its own treachery by declaring Libya a zone of safe return. The barstool soldiers and armchair generals, of whom there are many here, who share their expertise on the situation between the pints in fact know very little about the situation and the realities of war. There is not a word about Yemen when we tip-toe around Saudi Arabia. When Saudi Arabia is not starving and bombarding children and babies in Yemen, it is taking a plastic bag and a chainsaw to an outspoken journalist. We are most anxious that the State uses its position on the UN Security Council to do everything possible to de-escalate tensions and prevent military action or incursions. We must also hit Putin and his oligarchs where it hurts, right in the International Financial Services Centre, IFSC. I know that one cannot butterfly or lollipop one's way out of a war. We should remember that we are a neutral country. We must use that neutrality to make sure that dialogue does not break down and that sense and peace prevail.

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